C4 drama examines Pete and Dud

The volatile relationship between Peter Cook and Dudley Moore is to be made into a Channel 4 drama.

Notting Hill star Rhys Ifans will play Cook in Not Only... But Also, with Moore played by Irish actor Aidan McArdle, who happens to be Steve Coogan's cousin.

The programme is described as a 'warts and all' look at the duo's rise to fame following Beyond The Fringe to the gradual disintegration of their partnership during the expletive-ridden Derek And Clive recordings.

It has been written by playwright Terry Johnson, who previously examined the Carry On genre in Cleo, Camping, Emmanuelle and Dick as well as the plays Dead Funny and Hysteria.

Channel 4 drama chief John Yorke told Teletext: "Terry Johnson has cleverly made his script about several things.

"It's a history of British comedy, the look at the psychology of a relationship and a portrait of post-war Britain. But most of all, it's the story of Pete and Dud.

A screening date for the drama has not yet been announced.

Published: 23 Jan 2004